In 1988, the View-Master Ideal Group released their "View-Master Interactive Vision" game console. It used VHS tapes and combined the footage with graphics that were rendered by the console. The graphics appear to be constructed based on a barcode that is present on the right side of the video frame. Also, there is a hidden audio track that is visible as a waveform on the left side. At times, player choice can access this alternate track to give the impression of different paths through the game.Unfortunately, these tapes are difficult to capture due to the extra data in the overscan messing with standard USB capture devices. I had to use two different methods, each with its own drawbacks.

The versions that have bad sync and the frame folding over, but also have good reproduction of the alternate audio track, were done on a Panasonic Omnivision PV-8450 VCR. This is a fairly standard 4 head VCR. The output from either the VCR on its own or the VCR running through the console was received by a composite to HDMI upscaler and fed into an HDMI capture box. Attempting to capture either feed directly into a composite-to-USB digitizer failed with a "No Signal" error, as the device could not understand the signal.

The versions that have good sync and a stable frame, but also have bad reproduction of the alternate audio track, were done on a JVC HR-DVS2. This is an S-VHS and mini-DV combo unit. The VCR had some additional internal circuitry to stabilize the image. Whether the signal was pulled directly from the VCR or passed through the console and demodulated, the resulting composite video worked properly with a composite-to-USB digitizer. Sadly, the video stabilization mangled the alternate audio track when the console tried to interpret it, but the console was still able to read the programming barcode.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews